-H.M.S. Hood Crew Information-
H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour
Memorials to Men Lost in the Sinking of Hood, 24th May 1941
Updated 18-Dec-2014

We will remember them
Chainbar divider

In Remembrance of
Henry James Wannerton

Photo of Leading Stoker Henry James Wannerton, courtesy of his son, Henry Wannerton, 2000
Service: Royal Navy
Rank: Leading Stoker
Service Number: P/K 63327
Date Joined Hood: Unknown
Biographical Information: Henry was born 27 July 1903 to Ellen and Alfred Wannerton, an agricultural carter, in Sudbury, Suffolk. He later lived in Brill, Buckinghamshire.

Henry joined the Royal Navy in 1918. He was sent to H.M.S.Ganges to train as a boy Seaman, and was later assigned to the newly commissioned H.M.S.Hood. Following the reduction of the Fleet between the two World Wars, he left the Navy. He could not find work, so he rejoined the Navy as a Stoker. In 1929 he met and married Ivy Poate, and his Best Man was P.O.Stoker Pritchard. At this time he was serving aboard H.M.S.Curacoa. At the first opportunity, he rejoined H.M.S.Hood, as it was a happy ship.

Henry was the Captain of the Dart's Team. Another of his good mates on board was Stoker "Mickey" Glenn who was a good artist. The three of them (Pritchard, Glenn and Wannerton) were always together, especially on run ashores. He was recommended for Petty Officer, and was possibly serving as an Acting Petty Officer when he lost his life on 24th May 1941.

Henry was the father of four children, Sheila, Shirley, Stella and Henry, the youngest one, Harry being only 16 months when his Father died. His widow never remarried, saying that if you had a good husband, you could not replace him. Henry was 37 years old at the time of his loss. We have no additional information.


Memorial Information
Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Panel 54, Column 3 (click to view panel)
Also memorialised at
Hood Chapel, Church of St John the Baptist, Boldre, Hampshire
Additional Photographs
Photo of Henry and Ivy Wannerton's wedding day, courtesy of their son, Henry Wannerton, July 2005
Above- Henry and Ivy on their wedding day on 06 September 1929
Sources
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
His son, Henry Wannerton (photos & information, 2001 & 2005)
The National Archives (ADM 188/987)
'Register of Deaths of Naval Ratings' (data extracted by Director of Naval Personnel (Disclosure Cell), Navy Command HQ